EP3387343A1 - Insulation compaction device and method for forming an insulated structure for an appliance - Google Patents
Insulation compaction device and method for forming an insulated structure for an applianceInfo
- Publication number
- EP3387343A1 EP3387343A1 EP16873536.3A EP16873536A EP3387343A1 EP 3387343 A1 EP3387343 A1 EP 3387343A1 EP 16873536 A EP16873536 A EP 16873536A EP 3387343 A1 EP3387343 A1 EP 3387343A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- insulating
- piston
- operable
- insulation
- define
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 121
- 238000005056 compaction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 67
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 34
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 48
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000007164 Oryza sativa Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- QXJJQWWVWRCVQT-UHFFFAOYSA-K calcium;sodium;phosphate Chemical compound [Na+].[Ca+2].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O QXJJQWWVWRCVQT-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910021485 fumed silica Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000010903 husk Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000009566 rice Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 241000209094 Oryza Species 0.000 claims 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 10
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 240000007594 Oryza sativa Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006229 carbon black Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052743 krypton Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- DNNSSWSSYDEUBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N krypton atom Chemical compound [Kr] DNNSSWSSYDEUBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052754 neon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N neon atom Chemical compound [Ne] GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003605 opacifier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052724 xenon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N xenon atom Chemical compound [Xe] FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C44/00—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles
- B29C44/34—Auxiliary operations
- B29C44/56—After-treatment of articles, e.g. for altering the shape
- B29C44/5627—After-treatment of articles, e.g. for altering the shape by mechanical deformation, e.g. crushing, embossing, stretching
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
- B29K2995/0037—Other properties
- B29K2995/0063—Density
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/762—Household appliances
- B29L2031/7622—Refrigerators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2201/00—Insulation
- F25D2201/10—Insulation with respect to heat
- F25D2201/12—Insulation with respect to heat using an insulating packing material
- F25D2201/122—Insulation with respect to heat using an insulating packing material of loose fill type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2201/00—Insulation
- F25D2201/10—Insulation with respect to heat
- F25D2201/12—Insulation with respect to heat using an insulating packing material
- F25D2201/124—Insulation with respect to heat using an insulating packing material of fibrous type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2201/00—Insulation
- F25D2201/10—Insulation with respect to heat
- F25D2201/14—Insulation with respect to heat using subatmospheric pressure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/06—Walls
- F25D23/062—Walls defining a cabinet
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B40/00—Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers
Definitions
- the device is in the field of insulating structures for appliances, specifically, an insulating structure for an appliance having a compacted insulating material within the insulating structure.
- An operable piston selectively engages the sidewall to selectively define a hermetic seal between the operable piston and the piston chamber, wherein the operable piston is operable to define a selected chamber volume of the internal cavity defined between the operable piston and the piston chamber.
- a valve is positioned proximate the base, the valve defining selective communication between the internal cavity and an exterior of the piston chamber, wherein the valve is selectively operable in a passive state to release gas disposed within the piston chamber to the exterior, wherein the passive state is defined by an equalized pressure within the piston chamber during operation of the operable piston to define the selected chamber volume.
- a pump mechanism is in communication with the piston chamber via the valve to define an active state of the valve, wherein selective operation of the pump mechanism places the valve in the active state to define a chamber pressure of the internal cavity, the chamber pressure being less than the equalized pressure, and wherein the operable piston and the pump mechanism are at least one of individually operable and simultaneously operable to define a selected piston chamber environment defined by the selected chamber volume and one of the equalized pressure and chamber pressure.
- a method for forming an appliance cabinet includes forming an insulating cavity between an inner liner and an outer wrapper of an appliance, wherein the inner liner and the outer wrapper define walls of the appliance and the insulating cavity is partially defined between the inner liner and the outer wrapper.
- a gas valve is disposed within at least one of the inner liner and outer wrapper, the gas valve defining a selective communication between the insulating cavity and an exterior of the appliance.
- a gas pump is disposed in communication with the gas valve, wherein the gas pump is in communication with the insulating cavity via the gas valve.
- An operable piston is slidably operable against the outer wrapper, wherein selective engagement between the operable piston and the outer wrapper defines a hermetic seal.
- a predetermined amount of an insulation media is disposed within the insulating cavity.
- the operable piston is disposed within the outer wrapper. At least one of the operable piston and the gas pump is operated to define a selected insulating cavity environment that corresponds to a desired insulation density, wherein the operable piston operates to a predetermined location relative to the outer wrapper to define a selected insulating cavity volume, and wherein the gas pump is operated to define a selected insulating cavity pressure, wherein the selected insulating cavity volume and the selected insulating cavity pressure define the selected insulating cavity environment within which the insulating media is maintained at the desired insulation density.
- a method for forming an insulative member includes forming a wrapper for an insulating structure, the wrapper defining an insulating cavity.
- a predetermined amount of an insulating media is disposed into the insulating cavity, the insulating media having a pre-compaction density.
- the insulating media is modified to define a desired insulation density by applying a positive compression to and generating a negative compression within the insulating media during a simultaneous compression phase.
- At least the simultaneous compression phase is operated until the insulating media reaches a desired insulation density, the desired insulation density being greater than the pre-compaction density.
- the insulating cavity is sealed to maintain the desired insulation density of the insulating media within the insulating cavity to form the insulating structure.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an appliance incorporating an aspect of the compacted insulated structure
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary insulation compaction device
- FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the insulation compaction device of FIG. 2 looking into the internal cavity of the piston chamber;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the insulation compaction device of FIG. 2 taken along line IV-IV;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aspect of the insulation compaction device showing the gas valve operating in a passive state
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the insulation compaction device of FIG. 5
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the insulation compaction device of FIG. 5
- FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an exemplary insulating structure for an
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the insulation compaction device of FIG. 8 taken along line IX-IX;
- FIG. 10 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for forming an insulative member.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for forming an appliance cabinet utilizing aspects of the insulation compaction device.
- an insulation compaction device 10 can be used to increase the density of an insulating media 12 or insulating material for installation within an insulating internal cavity 14 of an appliance 18, such as that typically formed within the walls 16 of the appliance 18.
- appliances 18 can include, but are not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, laundry appliances, water heaters, HVAC systems, and other similar household appliances.
- FIGS. 2-7 exemplify various aspects of the insulation compaction device 10 for purposes of illustrating exemplary operational modes and methods of operation for aspects of the insulation compaction device 10.
- the insulation compaction device 10 is configured to prepare and/or dispose insulating media 12 within an insulating structure 20 of an appliance 18.
- the insulation compaction device 10 includes a piston chamber 22 having a sidewall 24 and a base 26 that defines an internal cavity 14 of the piston chamber 22.
- An operable piston 28 selectively engages the sidewall 24 wherein engagement between the operable piston 28 and the sidewall 24 defines a hermetic seal 30 between the operable piston 28 and the piston chamber 22. It is contemplated that the operable piston 28 is operable to define a selected chamber volume 32 of the internal cavity 14 defined between the operable piston 28 and piston chamber 22.
- the selected chamber volume 32 can be defined by one or more of various design, performance, and/or dimensional parameters of the insulating structure 20 for the appliance 18.
- a valve 40 is positioned proximate the base 26 of the piston chamber 22, where the valve 40 defines selective communication between the internal cavity 14 and the exterior 42 of the piston chamber 22.
- the valve 40 is selectively operable in a passive state 44 to release gas 46 disposed within the piston chamber 22 to the exterior 42.
- the passive state 44 of the valve 40 is defined by an equalized pressure 48 within the internal cavity 14 of the piston chamber 22 during operation of the operable piston 28 to define the selected chamber volume 32.
- the valve 40 is in a passive state 44 to provide for substantially equal pressure within the internal cavity 14 when compared with the exterior 42 of the piston chamber 22.
- a pump mechanism 60 is placed in communication with the piston chamber 22 via the valve 40 to define an active state 62 of the valve 40.
- Selective operation of the pump mechanism 60 places the valve 40 in the active state 62 to define a chamber pressure 64 of the internal cavity 14. It is contemplated that the chamber pressure 64 is different from, and typically less than, the equalized pressure 48.
- operation of the pump mechanism 60 such as a gas pump, serves to create a low pressure region 66 within the internal cavity 14. This low pressure region 66 can be defined by an at least partial vacuum within the internal cavity 14 of the piston chamber 22.
- the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 can be individually operable such that the operable piston 28 operates separately from the pump mechanism 60, either in a sequential pattern 70 or through operation of only one of the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60.
- the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 can operate in a simultaneous pattern 72, such that a positive compressive force 74 of the operable piston 28 can be exerted against an insulating media 12.
- a low pressure or negative compressive force 76 can be exerted against the insulating media 12 by the operation of the pump mechanism 60, to remove gas 46 from the internal cavity 14 through the valve 40 in the active state 62.
- operation of the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 either independently, in the sequential pattern 70 or simultaneous pattern 72, serves to define a selected piston chamber environment 80 defined by the selected chamber volume 32 and one of the equalized pressure 48 and the chamber pressure 64.
- the insulation compaction device 10 can also include a pressure sensor 90 that is placed in communication with the internal cavity 14 to measure the chamber pressure 64 within the internal cavity 14. It is contemplated that the pressure sensor 90 can be located proximate the valve 40, proximate the pump mechanism 60, or at an external location while in communication with the internal cavity
- the insulation compaction device 10 can also include a position sensor 92 in communication with the operable piston 28, and the piston chamber 22.
- the position sensor 92 is configured to measure the selected chamber volume 32 where movements of the operable piston 28 vary the amount of space or volume defined within the internal cavity 14.
- the pressure sensor 90 and the position sensor 92 can cooperate to communicate a current piston chamber environment 94 of the internal cavity 14.
- the current piston chamber environment [0023] According to the various embodiments, the current piston chamber environment
- the pressure sensor 90 and position sensor 92 of the insulation compaction device 10 can communicate the pressure and position data to a processor 100, where the processor 100 calculates the current pressure 98 and the current volume 96. These calculations are combined to determine the current piston chamber environment 94.
- the operation of the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 can be interrupted such that the selected piston chamber environment 80 can be maintained within the internal cavity 14 until such time as the piston chamber 22 can be sealed.
- the operable piston 28 can be disengaged from the sidewall 24 and the pump mechanism 60 can be disengaged from the valve 40. In this manner, the selected piston chamber environment 80 can be maintained within the internal cavity 14 after manufacture and during use of the appliance 18.
- the operable piston 28 can include a back panel 110 engaged thereto.
- operation of the operable piston 28 locates the back panel 110 relative to the sidewall 24.
- the operable piston 28 moves to define the selected chamber volume 32 of the internal cavity 14 and, as a consequence, positions the back wall 16 relative to the sidewall 24.
- the sidewall 24 and back wall 16 can be engaged to one another through crimping, welding, fastening, adhesives, combinations thereof, and other attachment mechanisms to secure the back panel 110 to the sidewall 24 in order to maintain the selected piston chamber environment 80 within the internal cavity 14.
- the operable piston 28 can be moved by mechanical press 112, having various operational mechanisms that can include, but are not limited to, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical drives, screw drives, combinations thereof, and other similar operating mechanisms.
- the engagement between the back panel 110 and the sidewall 24 can define a sealed engagement, where the back panel 110 and sidewall 24 are attached to one another to define a hermetic seal 30.
- the insulating media 12 can be placed within the internal cavity 14 before placing the operable piston 28 against the sidewall 24 of the piston chamber 22. It is also contemplated that a known amount of the insulating media 12 can be placed within the internal cavity 14 such that calculations based upon the selected chamber volume 32 and the chamber pressure 64 can be used to calculate a density of the one or more insulating materials that make up the insulating media 12. In this manner, the density of the insulating media 12 can be modified through operation of the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 in order to modify the density of the insulating media 12 to be substantially equal to a desired insulation density 120.
- the desired insulation density 120 can be a density determined to provide a certain level of thermal and/or acoustical insulating properties to the insulating structure 20 of the appliance 18. It is further contemplated that the desired insulation density 120 can be determined during the design of the insulating structure 20 by incorporating various parameters, where such parameters can include, but are not limited to, cost of materials, production time, efficiency, performance, various dimensional parameters, combinations thereof and other similar parameters and considerations that may affect the design of a particular appliance 18 or an insulating structure 20 therefor.
- the insulation compaction device 10 can operate such that the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 operate in a sequential pattern 70 and/or where only one of the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 operate to define the selected piston chamber environment 80.
- the movement of the operable piston 28 to the selected chamber volume 32 can define a compressed state 130 of the insulating media 12 within the selected piston chamber environment 80.
- the density of the insulating media 12 within the selected piston chamber environment 80 of the internal cavity 14 can correspond to the desired insulation density 120.
- the valve 40 operates in the passive state 44 to substantially equalize the pressure within the internal cavity 14, as related to the ambient air pressure around the exterior 42 of the piston chamber 22. In the passive state 44, gas 46 from within the internal cavity 14 is expelled from the internal cavity 14 via the valve 40 as the operable piston 28 moves to shrink the size of the internal cavity
- valve 40 can be operated to allow the entry of gas 46 from the exterior 42 of the piston chamber 22 to again equalize the pressure between the internal cavity 14 and areas external to the piston chamber 22.
- This low pressure state of the insulating media 12 is defined within the selected piston chamber environment 80 that is set through operation of the pump mechanism 60 and the valve 40 in the active state 62.
- the selected piston chamber environment 80 includes the selected chamber volume 32 and the chamber pressure 64 that corresponds to the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12 disposed within the internal cavity 14.
- the pump mechanism 60 draws gas 46 from the internal cavity 14 and expels this gas 46 to areas external of the piston chamber 22. It is contemplated that the creation of the low pressure areas within the internal cavity 14 through operation of the pump mechanism 60 can cause the operable piston 28 to move downward to passively equalize the pressure between the internal cavity 14 and areas external to the piston chamber 22.
- the operable piston 28 can be placed in a fixed position that corresponds to the selected chamber volume 32 so that operation of the pump mechanism 60 can define the low pressure region 66 within the internal cavity 14 of the piston chamber 22. In this manner, operation of the pump mechanism 60 can serve to achieve the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12 within the internal cavity 14.
- valve 40 can work in conjunction with an insulating gas injection mechanism.
- a separate insulating gas injector injects an insulating gas into the internal cavity 14. In this manner, the expelled gas is replaced by an insulating gas.
- the insulating gas can be held within the internal cavity 14 at the equalized pressure 48 or a different chamber pressure 64.
- the insulating gas can be any one of various insulating gasses that can include, but are not limited to, neon, carbon dioxide, xenon, krypton, combinations thereof and other similar insulating gasses.
- the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 can operate in a simultaneous pattern 72 to achieve the selected piston chamber environment 80, and, in turn, the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12 within the internal cavity 14. Accordingly, the operable piston 28 can be moved toward a position that defines the selected chamber volume 32 and, at the same time, the pump mechanism 60 can be activated to draw gas 46 from the internal cavity 14 to create the low pressure region 66 of the insulating media 12 within the internal cavity 14.
- simultaneous operation of the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 to achieve the desired insulation density 120 also provides an efficient mechanism for achieving a desired selected piston chamber environment 80, and in turn, the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12 within the internal cavity 14.
- phase of operation of the sequential and simultaneous patterns 72 for the insulation compaction device 10 can be implemented during formation of the insulating structure 20. These phases and patterns can include independent phases, sequential patterns 70, and simultaneous patterns 72 of operation of the insulation compaction device 10.
- operation of the pump mechanism 60 removes gas 46 from the internal cavity 14.
- this gas 46 is removed, the operation of the operable piston 28 can more effectively compress the insulating media 12 since there is less resistance, push back, rebound or other resistive force to oppose the positive compressive force 74 exerted by the operable piston 28. Accordingly, achievement of the selected piston chamber environment 80 and the desired insulation density 120 can be a more efficient process.
- the independent phase of operation of the insulation compaction device 10 can be defined by operation of only one of the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 to define the selected piston chamber environment 80, and, in turn, the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12 within the internal cavity 14.
- the sequential pattern 70 of operation of the insulation compaction device 10 can be defined by alternate operation of the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 to define the appropriate desired insulation density 120 for the insulating media 12.
- the simultaneous pattern 72 of operation for the insulation compaction device 10 can be defined by simultaneous operation of the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 to define the desired insulation density 120 within the internal cavity 14 of the piston chamber 22.
- These phases and patterns can be implemented in a predetermined pattern during operation of the insulation compaction device 10 where the operation shifts between the sequential pattern 70 to the simultaneous pattern 72. It is contemplated that the use of the individual, sequential, and simultaneous patterns 72 of operation for the insulation compaction device 10 can be determined based upon several factors. Such factors can include, but are not limited to, the type of appliance, the size of the piston chamber 22, the thickness of the internal cavity 14, the composition of the insulating media 12, the desired insulation density 120, combinations thereof, and other similar factors.
- the insulating media 12 can include various compositions and combinations of materials that can be used in conjunction with the insulation compaction device 10 for achieving the desired insulation density 120 within the internal cavity 14 of the piston chamber 22.
- materials can include silica, fumed silica, rice husk, glass spheres of varying size, and other similar primary insulating components.
- the insulating media 12 can include various getters, dessicants, opacifiers, carbon black, and other similar insulating compositions. These various compositions can be combined in varying combinations and proportions to achieve the desired characteristics for the insulating media 12 that, when used with the insulation compaction device 10, produces the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12 within the internal cavity 14.
- various configurations of the insulating media 12 can have varying reactions to the positive and negative compressive forces 74, 76 exerted thereon.
- Certain insulating media 12 can experience varying degrees of rebound, where the insulating media 12 expands back toward its pre-compaction density 160 after being placed in the compressed state 130.
- the back panel 110 of the insulating structure 20 should be able to be sealed to the sidewall 24 while the operable piston 28 defines the selected chamber volume 32. Release of the operable piston 28 may result in the rebound of the insulating media 12, forcing the back panel 110 away from this piston such that the selected chamber volume 32 and the desired insulation density 120 may not be achieved.
- the piston chamber 22 for the insulation compaction device 10 can include an outer wrapper 140 and an inner liner 142 that define walls 16 of an insulating structure 20 for an appliance 18.
- the internal cavity 14 of the piston chamber 22 can be defined by the insulating internal cavity 14 within the walls 16 defined between the outer wrapper 140 and inner liner 142. It is contemplated that the embodiments exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9 provide an aspect of the insulation compaction device 10 that incorporates the same operational aspects as those exemplified in FIGS. 2-7.
- the insulating media 12 can be disposed directly within the insulating internal cavity 14 defined between the outer wrapper 140 and inner liner 142 of the insulating structure 20 of the appliance 18. Accordingly, it is not necessary for an independent insulating structure 20, such as an insulating panel, to be manufactured and then later installed within the cabinet 145 of the appliance 18.
- the insulating media it is contemplated that the insulating media
- valves 40 of the insulation compaction device 10 can be disposed within at least one of the outer wrapper 140 and inner liner 142, where the valves 40 can be connected to one or more pump mechanisms 60, to operate in the passive state 44 or the active state 62, to define the selected piston chamber environment 80 within the insulating internal cavity 14 of the insulating structure 20 of the appliance 18.
- the operable piston 28, having the back panel 110 of the insulating structure 20 can be disposed into engagement with the outer wrapper 140 of the insulating structure 20 to define a hermetic seal 30 between the back panel 110 and the outer wrapper 140.
- This hermetic seal 30 between the back panel 110 and the outer wrapper 140 allows the pump mechanism 60 to operate the valve 40 in the active state 62 to define a low pressure region 66 of an insulating media 12 within the insulating space of the insulating structure 20.
- the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 of the insulation compaction device 10 can operate to form the insulating structure 20 through independent operation or operation of the sequential and/or simultaneous patterns 70, 72, and in varying combinations of these patterns, to generate the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12 within the insulating internal cavity 14.
- the back panel 110 can be sealed to the outer wrapper 140 to form a hermetic seal 30 between the back panel 110 and outer wrapper 140 to contain the selected piston chamber environment 80 within the internal cavity 14 and maintain the desired insulation density 120 of the insulative material within the selected piston chamber environment 80.
- the use of the insulation compaction device 10 in combination with the insulating structure 20 of the appliance 18 can eliminate various steps of forming separate insulative panels or insulative components that are installed as separate pieces or a series of components within the insulating structure 20 of the appliance 18. Additionally, because the outer wrapper 140, inner liner 142, and back panel 110 can be sealed together to form a hermetic seal 30, various barrier films and internal sealing layers may not be necessary to maintain the desired insulation density 120 within the insulating internal cavity 14 of the insulating structure 20.
- outer wrapper 140, inner liner 142, and back panel 110 can be made of various materials that can include, but are not limited to, metal, metal alloy, polymer, composite materials, combinations thereof, and other similar materials that can create a hermetic seal 30 when bonded together to form the insulating structure 20 of the appliance 18.
- the various aspects of the insulation compaction device 10 can be used to create various insulating structures 20.
- these insulating structures 20 can include a structural cabinet 145 for an appliance 18, where the insulating media 12 is directly disposed between the inner liner 142 and outer wrapper 140.
- the insulation compaction device 10 can be used to create smaller insulating units, such as insulating panels, that can be separately installed within a cabinet 145 of an appliance 18 to define an insulating structure 20 for the appliance 18.
- the method 400 can include forming an outer wrapper 140 for an insulating structure 20 (step 402). It is contemplated that the outer wrapper 140 can define an insulating internal cavity 14 therein. After the outer wrapper 140 is formed, a predetermined amount of an insulating media 12 can be disposed within the insulating internal cavity 14 (step 404). It is contemplated that the insulating media 12 can have a pre-compaction density 160 that is defined within the insulating media 12 before any compressive forces of the operable piston 28 and the pump mechanism 60 are exerted thereon.
- the insulating media 12 can go through various compaction steps before being disposed within the insulating internal cavity 14 of the insulating media 12. Such compaction steps can be used to alter the physical composition of the insulating media 12 to define various particle sizes and compression strengths of the insulating media 12. Once the insulating media 12 is disposed within the insulating cavity, the insulating media 12 can be modified to define a desired insulation density 120 by applying a positive compressive force 74 to and generating a negative compressive force 76 within the insulating media 12 during a simultaneous pattern 72 of compression, or a simultaneous phase (step 406).
- the positive compressive force 74 applied to the insulating media 12 can be applied through the operation of the operable piston 28 to place the downward compressive force on the insulating media 12.
- the operable piston 28 can include at least one sealing member 170 that is configured to engage the inner surface 172, outer surface 174, or both, of the outer wrapper 140. This engagement between the sealing member 170 of the operable piston 28 and the inner and/or outer surface 174 of the wrapper defines a hermetic seal 30 formed between the operable piston 28 and the wrapper of the insulating structure 20. This sealing engagement can serve to provide for the simultaneous pattern 72 of operation described herein.
- the insulation compaction device 10 can include the simultaneous pattern 72, the sequential pattern 70, and independent patterns of operation that can work in various phases, sequences, and configurations to achieve the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12.
- the insulating structure 20 can be an appliance cabinet 145, where the insulating media 12 is disposed directly within the insulating internal cavity 14 of an appliance cabinet 145. It is also contemplated that the insulating structure 20 can be a separate insulating panel that can be installed as a unitary piece, or a series of panels, within a separate appliance cabinet 145. The use of a direct deposition of insulating material within the appliance cabinet 145 versus the installation of a premanufactured insulating member may depend upon the design of the appliance 18 and the specific parameters desired for the design and operation of the appliance 18.
- a method 600 for forming an aspect of an appliance cabinet 145 can include forming an internal cavity 14 between an inner liner 142 and outer wrapper 140 of an appliance 18 (step 602).
- the outer wrapper 140 and inner liner 142 can define walls 16 of an appliance cabinet 145 and the insulating internal cavity 14 can be at least partially defined between the outer wrapper 140 and inner liner 142.
- a gas valve can be disposed within at least one of the inner liner 142 and outer wrapper 140 (step 604).
- the gas valve defines a selective communication between the insulating cavity and the exterior 42 of the appliance 18.
- a gas pump can be disposed in communication with the gas valve (step 606). The connection of the gas pump with the gas valve 40 can place the gas pump in communication with the insulating internal cavity 14 via the gas valve 40.
- an operable piston 28 can be provided, where the operable piston 28 is slidably operable against the outer wrapper 140 (step 608).
- Selective operation between the operable piston 28 and the outer wrapper 140 can define a hermetic seal 30. It is contemplated that the operable piston 28 can engage at least one of an inner surface 172 and an outer surface 174 of the outer wrapper 140. The engagement between the operable piston 28 and the outer wrapper 140 can depend upon the method of operation of the insulation compaction device 10. The operable piston 28 engaging the inner surface 172 of the outer wrapper 140 can serve to at least partially prevent inward deflection of the outer wrapper 140 during operation of the gas pump to define the low pressure state of the insulating media 12 within the insulating internal cavity 14.
- engagement of the operable piston 28 with an outer surface 174 of the outer wrapper 140 can serve to prevent outward deflection of the outer wrapper 140 during operation of the operable piston 28.
- the operable piston 28 can engage both the inner and outer surfaces 172, 174 of the outer wrapper 140.
- the various engagements between the operable piston 28 and the outer wrapper 140 can also include one or more sealing members 170, disposed within the operable piston 28 or adjacent to the operable piston 28 such that when the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12 is achieved, the one or more sealing members 170 can hermetically seal the internal cavity 14 while the operable piston 28 is in the desired position, to maintain the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12.
- a predetermined amount of the insulating media 12 can be disposed within the insulating internal cavity 14 (step 610). As discussed above, the use of a predetermined amount of insulation media assists in the manufacture of the appliance cabinet 145 to achieve the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12. Because the amount of insulating media 12 is known, a density of the insulating media 12 can be determined by adjusting the cavity volume and cavity pressure to place the insulating media 12 into a state that defines the desired insulation density 120. Once the predetermined amount of insulating media 12 is disposed within the insulating cavity, the operable piston 28 is disposed in engagement with the outer wrapper 140 (step 612).
- the operable piston 28 is disposed in engagement with the outer wrapper 140, at least one of the operable piston 28 and the gas pump are operated to define the selected insulating cavity environment that corresponds to the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12 (step 614).
- the operable piston 28 can be operated to a predetermined location relative to the outer wrapper 140 to define the selected insulating cavity volume.
- the gas pump can also be operated to define a selected insulating cavity pressure, where the selected insulating cavity volume and selected insulating cavity pressure define the selected insulating cavity environment within which the insulating media 12 is maintained at the desired insulation density 120.
- the valve 40 can operate in a passive state 44 during operation of only the operable piston 28, or an active state 62 during operation of the gas pump either separately or in conjunction with the operable piston 28.
- the current pressure 98 of the insulating internal cavity 14 is monitored to determine the current insulating cavity pressure (step 616).
- the current volume 96 of the insulating internal cavity 14 is also monitored to determine when the current volume
- the current density of the insulating media 12 is determined by comparing the predetermined amount of the insulating media 12 to the current pressure 98 and current volume 96 (step 620). Once the current density is substantially equal to the desired insulation density 120 of the insulating media 12, the gas pump and the operable piston 28 are deactivated to maintain the desired insulation density 120 (step 622).
- the term "coupled” in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc. generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Insulation (AREA)
- Compressors, Vaccum Pumps And Other Relevant Systems (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/961,956 US20170159998A1 (en) | 2015-12-08 | 2015-12-08 | Insulation compaction device and method for forming an insulated structure for an appliance |
PCT/US2016/060519 WO2017099912A1 (en) | 2015-12-08 | 2016-11-04 | Insulation compaction device and method for forming an insulated structure for an appliance |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3387343A1 true EP3387343A1 (en) | 2018-10-17 |
EP3387343A4 EP3387343A4 (en) | 2019-08-21 |
EP3387343B1 EP3387343B1 (en) | 2020-12-30 |
Family
ID=58799775
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP16873536.3A Active EP3387343B1 (en) | 2015-12-08 | 2016-11-04 | Insulation compaction device and method for forming an insulated structure for an appliance |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20170159998A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3387343B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017099912A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9841224B2 (en) * | 2016-01-18 | 2017-12-12 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Refrigerator appliances with passive storage compartments |
EP3443284B1 (en) * | 2016-04-15 | 2020-11-18 | Whirlpool Corporation | Vacuum insulated refrigerator structure with three dimensional characteristics |
US10830526B2 (en) * | 2016-09-26 | 2020-11-10 | Whirlpool Corporation | Vacuum generating system for an appliance incorporating a vacuum insulated structure |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3258883A (en) * | 1962-09-25 | 1966-07-05 | North American Aviation Inc | Rigidized evacuated structure |
US5500305A (en) * | 1990-09-24 | 1996-03-19 | Aladdin Industries, Inc. | Vacuum insulated panel and method of making a vacuum insulated panel |
SE501701C2 (en) * | 1993-09-29 | 1995-04-24 | Electrolux Ab | Ways to fill and pack insulating powder into the walls of a cabinet body |
RU2077411C1 (en) * | 1994-05-04 | 1997-04-20 | Самарский государственный технический университет | Method of manufacture of articles from powder materials |
DE4439328A1 (en) * | 1994-11-04 | 1996-05-09 | Bayer Ag | Insulating body |
DE19607963C1 (en) * | 1996-03-01 | 1997-05-22 | Carsten Klatt | Thermal insulation |
DE19745827A1 (en) * | 1997-10-16 | 1999-05-06 | Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | Insulating wall |
DE102010040346A1 (en) * | 2010-09-07 | 2012-03-08 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Heat-insulating molded body and method for its production |
KR102001145B1 (en) * | 2012-06-12 | 2019-10-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Door for a refrigerator and method for manufacturing a door, metal container and method for manufacturing the same, method for processing a metal sheet, and apparatus for processing a metal sheet |
KR20140137108A (en) * | 2013-05-22 | 2014-12-02 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | refrigerator and manufacturing method thereof |
-
2015
- 2015-12-08 US US14/961,956 patent/US20170159998A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-11-04 WO PCT/US2016/060519 patent/WO2017099912A1/en unknown
- 2016-11-04 EP EP16873536.3A patent/EP3387343B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2017099912A1 (en) | 2017-06-15 |
EP3387343B1 (en) | 2020-12-30 |
US20170159998A1 (en) | 2017-06-08 |
EP3387343A4 (en) | 2019-08-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP3387343B1 (en) | Insulation compaction device and method for forming an insulated structure for an appliance | |
KR102529853B1 (en) | Vacuum adiabatic body, fabricating method for the Vacuum adiabatic body, porous substance package, and refrigerator | |
KR102593894B1 (en) | Vacuum adiabatic body and refrigerator | |
KR102593895B1 (en) | Vacuum adiabatic body and refrigerator | |
JP2019511324A (en) | Household appliance leveling apparatus and household appliance having the apparatus | |
US20200040997A1 (en) | Encapsulation system for a vacuum insulated structure using an elastic adhesive and barrier coating | |
US20220136762A1 (en) | Insulation materials for a vacuum insulated structure and methods of forming | |
DE502006003878D1 (en) | Switching chamber of a high-voltage switch with a heating volume of variable size | |
KR20170016241A (en) | Vacuum adiabatic body and refrigerator | |
WO2012152610A3 (en) | Refrigerator, in particular domestic refrigerator | |
DE602006013499D1 (en) | ELECTRIC CHAMBER WITH DOUBLE COMPRESSION CHAMBER | |
US11911950B2 (en) | Method for forming a vacuum insulated structure | |
US10989461B2 (en) | Structural formations incorporated within a vacuum insulated structure | |
EP3387345B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for making structure with vacuum insulation | |
WO2010052650A3 (en) | Refrigeration appliance and manufacturing method thereof | |
WO2012010455A3 (en) | Refrigerator, in particular a household refrigeration appliance | |
WO2013076003A3 (en) | Heat insulation housing for a refrigerating device | |
US20220055262A1 (en) | Insulation compaction device and method for forming an insulated structure for an appliance | |
CN105300012B (en) | Glass door for refrigerator vacuum fixture and refrigerator | |
WO2012007282A3 (en) | Housing component for a refrigeration unit | |
WO2006010742A3 (en) | Domestic refrigerating appliance with an evacuatable storage compartment | |
CN104769373B (en) | A cooling device having an elastic fixing member and a valve holder group | |
EP2859236B1 (en) | A compressor comprising a cylinder head | |
WO2011124423A3 (en) | Refrigerator, in particular free-standing refrigerator | |
CN202216477U (en) | Door seal of refrigerator |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20180517 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20190722 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: B29L 31/00 20060101ALN20190716BHEP Ipc: F25D 23/06 20060101AFI20190716BHEP Ipc: B29C 44/56 20060101ALI20190716BHEP Ipc: F16L 59/065 20060101ALI20190716BHEP |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F16L 59/065 20060101ALI20200911BHEP Ipc: B29L 31/00 20060101ALN20200911BHEP Ipc: B29C 44/56 20060101ALI20200911BHEP Ipc: F25D 23/06 20060101AFI20200911BHEP |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: B29C 44/56 20060101ALI20200929BHEP Ipc: F16L 59/065 20060101ALI20200929BHEP Ipc: B29L 31/00 20060101ALN20200929BHEP Ipc: F25D 23/06 20060101AFI20200929BHEP |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20201012 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1350346 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20210115 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602016050816 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210330 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1350346 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20201230 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210330 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20201230 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210430 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210430 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602016050816 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20211001 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210430 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20211104 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20211130 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20211130 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20211104 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20161104 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230522 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201230 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220630 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220630 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20231121 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20231124 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20231123 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20231127 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201230 |